Fritz Lang’s “The Testament of Dr. Mabuse” (1933) picks up where its predecessor left off, diving back into the twisted world of the criminal mastermind Dr. Mabuse. Last week I reviewed “Dr. Mabuse the Gambler” (1922); this week we’re reviewing the sequel where, eleven years later, Lang brings Mabuse back…
Tag: black and white
Friday Night Movies
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Dr. Mabuse the Gambler
A Silent Masterpiece of Crime and Control Fritz Lang’s “Dr. Mabuse the Gambler” (1922) stands as a towering achievement in the annals of silent cinema. This German expressionist epic, spanning nearly four and a half hours, weaves a complex tapestry of crime, manipulation, and societal decay that continues to captivate…
Vintage Cameras
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The Minolta X-370
Though not exactly as “nostalgic” or “vintage” as many cameras in this series, the Minolta X-370, released in the early 1980s, still embodies the essence of a time when photography was as much about the journey as it was about the destination. Film photography, unlike digital photography, is a much…
Friday Night Movies
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Greed (1924)
Welcome to this week’s Vintage Movie Review on Blind Skeleton! Today, we delve into the depths of human nature with Erich von Stroheim’s 1924 silent film, “Greed.” Based on Frank Norris’s novel “McTeague,” “Greed” is a powerful exploration of the destructive power of avarice. The film tells the story of…
Friday Night Movies
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Way Down East
“Way Down East,” directed by D.W. Griffith and released in 1920, is a silent film adaptation of Lottie Blair Parker’s play. It explores themes of morality, social justice, and personal redemption through Anna Moore’s story of societal scorn, tragedy, and eventual love. Griffith’s innovative narrative techniques and technical achievements, like the iconic ice floe sequence, make it a landmark in early American cinema. Despite facing criticisms for its melodramatic elements and portrayal of gender roles, the film’s compelling performances and emotional depth underscore its lasting impact.